Navigating the Void: How Will the Minnesota Twins Fill the Shoes of Departed Bullpen Stalwart Emilio Pagán?

If someone had informed me precisely one year ago that the Minnesota Twins would feel the absence of Emilio Pagán’s stabilizing presence in their bullpen, I likely would have dismissed it with a laugh, busy digging myself out of eight inches of snow. However, in the span of a year, much has changed.

Now, not only is there just a thin dusting of snow along my boulevard, but I also find myself pondering how the Twins can replicate the production they received from Pagán, who has since signed with the Cincinnati Reds. Will his departure significantly impact a team that won 87 games and clinched a division crown? Is he poised to become a dominant force that the league will contend with for the next two years? Probably not. Nonetheless, Pagán became a respected figure in Minnesota’s clubhouse and a remarkably valuable asset for the team last year, much to the surprise of a somewhat forgetful and anxious fanbase.

One of Pagán’s standout attributes was his rubber arm, making him a highly valuable asset. Not only was he available for numerous back-to-back appearances, but he could also pitch more than one inning per outing if required. He remained healthy and effective throughout the entire season, emerging as one of the more unsung heroes on the roster.

Now, the question arises: How will the Twins replace Pagán as they aim for another division title?

Internal Candidates:
The Twins will rely on Griffin Jax and Jhoan Durán, key figures in their bullpen. Both Jax and Durán have generally been healthy and effective since transitioning to full-time relievers in the 2022 season. However, beyond these two, injury concerns and suboptimal results have narrowed down the list of internal candidates. Perhaps someone in the minor leagues experiences a meteoric rise, or a middling starting pitcher transitions to the bullpen.

Enter Louie Varland, a pitcher who, despite expressing a desire to remain a starter, showcased remarkable results last September. In seven relief opportunities, Varland boasted a 1.50 ERA with an impressive 12.75 K/9 and allowed only one walk. If the Twins decide to make Varland a full-time reliever, he could potentially join Jax and Durán at the back end of the bullpen for the foreseeable future. Veterans Caleb Thielbar and Brock Stewart, who faced injury setbacks last year, also represent internal options to assume a rubber arm role if healthy.

External Candidates:
Identifying external candidates for this role is challenging due to the Twins’ history of limiting investments in their relief corps. The front office believes in turning fringe players into serviceable relievers at a value, occasionally proving successful. Nonetheless, some veterans stand out as potential contributors to fill Pagán’s void.

Matt Moore and David Robertson were popular names in Twins Territory around the trade deadline. Moore, a left-handed former top prospect, experienced a career renaissance as a reliever last year, boasting a 2.56 ERA across 50 appearances. Robertson, although nearing the twilight of his career at 39, had a solid 3.03 ERA in 63 games. Another option is Wandy Peralta, a 32-year-old coming off two quality seasons with the New York Yankees.

Whether the Twins develop an internal candidate or bring in an external option, the challenge is clear – compensating for the absence of Emilio Pagán. Despite being a polarizing player, his improved performance in the second half of the season played a crucial role in Minnesota’s success last year. Looking ahead, if someone on the list steps up to fill his role perfectly a year from now, it might not be as surprising as one would think.